As general counsel, Meltzer will lead a team of attorneys who handle a wide variety of legal matters for the Red Cross, including matters related to banking, finance, fundraising, contracts and intellectual property. Meltzer will also assume responsibility for the Red Cross' Office of Investigations, Compliance, and Ethics.

In addition to his new role, which was approved by the Red Cross Board of Governors, Meltzer will continue to lead the International Services Department as the Chief International Officer. As head of International Services, a role he has had since 2005, he oversees all international activities of the organization, including health programs focused on disease prevention, the American Red Cross Haiti Assistance Program, and disaster preparedness and response activities throughout the world.

"I am honored to be selected as the new general counsel of the Red Cross, and look forward to taking on these new and challenging responsibilities while continuing to lead our humanitarian work in countries around the world," said Meltzer.

Meltzer has served in a number of legal and business positions since beginning his legal career 26 years ago. Before joining the Red Cross, he worked as the general counsel and executive vice president for regulatory affairs of Intelsat, the world's largest satellite communications company.

While working at Intelsat, Meltzer's achievements included spearheading the successful effort to privatize the former intergovernmental organization with 145 member states, as well as leading the department responsible for procuring billions of dollars of telecommunications satellites, launch vehicles and related goods and services.

Prior to his tenure at Intelsat, Meltzer worked in the private practice of law in the area of international trade and government contracts.

Meltzer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.

About the American Red Cross:The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.orgor join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.